Intention: To help participants engage in a form of dialogue that is beyond a verbal conversation. This activity is meant to help people share in an intentional bonding moment that may put them outside of their comfort zone.
Risk Level: Medium
Time needed: Decided by facilitator, anywhere from 5-15 minutes
Appropriate location: A space with low traffic and minimal distractions
Materials needed: Stopwatch/timepiece

Part I. Personal Reflection
Invite participants to think of a time in which they could not effectively communicate an idea or thought. Give them examples of possibly speaking through language barriers or talking to someone who is not listening. Help them think of a time in which their parents or siblings did not understand a choice they made or did not fully comprehend an experience that they wanted to share. Allow silence for reflection after giving examples.

Part II. Paired Activity
Have participants pair up with someone and invite them to stand or sit in front of each other. Have them “blink out” their eyes and shake hands with their partner. Invite them to lock eye contact with their partner until you say “time.” The facilitator has the choice of how long they want this activity to run.

Part III. Discussion
After you say “time,” have the partners discuss their experience with each other. What was the other thinking? What did you assume I was thinking about? What was your comfort level with this activity? How hard was it to keep eye contact with me? How do you feel right now? Next, invite the partners to come back to the big group and discuss as a whole.

Part IV. Close
Reiterate the point that communication goes beyond the verbal discussion. Challenge participants to look for that nonverbal communication in their everyday interactions.

Pro-Tips:
The facilitator should think about whether or not to share the activity time with participants. Telling participants or not telling them leads for interesting twists. There will probably be laughing/awkward giggles throughout the activity. I suggest letting the laughter happen. Although it may be distracting the concentration of other participants, it opens conversation about another form of dialogue and communication.